# Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit > https://www.gilschaffnit.com > Last Updated: 2026-11-01 Gilbert Schaffnit is a Gainesville criminal defense lawyer with more than 40 years of experience who has devoted his legal practice for more than 30 years to the representation of individuals charged with criminal violations in Alachua County and across the state of Florida. ## Contact - Phone: +1-352-505-1799 - Address: 719 NE 1st St, Gainesville, FL 32601 ## Locations - Gainesville, FL - +1-352-505-1799 Areas served: Gainseville, Florida, US ## Practice Areas - Criminal Defense - Drug Crimes - Violent Crimes - Sex Crimes - Theft Crimes - Weapon Crimes - Juvenile Crimes ## Attorneys - Profile: https://www.gilschaffnit.com/attorney-profile/ Mr. Schaffnit is a member of the Florida Bar as well as the Bars of the Northern District of Florida, Middle District of Florida, the Sixth and Eleventh Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. ## Key Pages - Homepage: https://www.gilschaffnit.com/ - Attorneys: https://www.gilschaffnit.com/attorney-profile/ - Blog: https://www.gilschaffnit.com/blog/ - Contact: https://www.gilschaffnit.com/contact-us/ ## Social Profiles - https://www.facebook.com/p/Law-Offices-of-Gilbert-A-Schaffnit-100063523452528/ - https://www.yelp.com/biz/law-offices-of-gilbert-a-schaffnit-gainesville - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilbert-schaffnit-b5662a19/ ## Reviews - Rating: 5/5 based on 104 reviews ## Practice Area Details ### Gainesville Criminal Defense Lawyer https://www.gilschaffnit.com/ Gainesville criminal defense lawyer Gilbert A. Schaffnit helps with Florida sex crimes, drug charges, weapons offense, violent crimes, theft & more. ### Gainesville Criminal Defense https://www.gilschaffnit.com/gainesville-criminal-defense-lawyer/ At the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit, our Gainesville criminal defense lawyer brings more than 40 years of experience to every case we handle. ### Gainesville Federal Drug Crimes Lawyer https://www.gilschaffnit.com/gainesville-federal-drug-crimes-lawyer/ Federal drug charges carry severe penalties. The Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit defends Gainesville clients against serious federal drug crime allegations. ### Gainesville Sex Crimes Lawyer https://www.gilschaffnit.com/gainesville-sex-crimes-lawyer/ The Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit provides skilled defense for sex crime charges in Gainesville, protecting your rights throughout all legal proceedings. ## Recent Articles ### Newberry Man Charged With Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material https://www.gilschaffnit.com/newberry-man-charged-with-possessing-child-sexual-abuse-material/ (2026-10-26) Get the help you need from a Florida child pornography lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit. We can defend you against these possible charges. ### Florida Man Found in Possession of 1,000+ Child Porn Images https://www.gilschaffnit.com/florida-man-found-in-possession-of-1000-child-porn-images/ (2026-10-20) No matter the crime, it is never too early to protect yourself. A Florida child pornography lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit can help defend you and advise you of your legal rights. ### Florida Man, Woman Arrested for Human Trafficking https://www.gilschaffnit.com/florida-man-woman-arrested-for-human-trafficking/ (2026-10-13) Protect yourself legally with help from a Florida minor sex offense lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit. We can defend you from the charges you face. ### Assistant Professor/Doctor Arrested on Child Porn Charges https://www.gilschaffnit.com/assistant-professor-doctor-arrested-on-child-porn-charges/ (2026-09-21) A Florida child pornography lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit can assess your case and help you get the outcome you desire. ### Florida Man Sentenced to 215 Years in Prison for Child Porn Possession https://www.gilschaffnit.com/florida-man-sentenced-to-215-years-in-prison-for-child-porn-possession/ (2026-09-14) Act quickly to protect your legal rights. Do not delay; contact a Florida child pornography lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit right away. ### 7 Arrested in Human Trafficking Sting in South Florida https://www.gilschaffnit.com/7-arrested-in-human-trafficking-sting-in-south-florida/ (2026-09-11) If you have been charged with a sex offense involving a minor or other sex crime, contact a Florida minor sex offense lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit right away. ### Man Arrested on Child Porn Charges After AI Chatbot Tip https://www.gilschaffnit.com/man-arrested-on-child-porn-charges-after-ai-chatbot-tip/ (2026-09-01) A Florida child pornography lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit can assist you if you have been accused of a crime involving child porn. ### Florida Gymnastics Coach Pleads Guilty to Child Porn Charges https://www.gilschaffnit.com/florida-gymnastics-coach-pleads-guilty-to-child-porn-charges/ (2026-08-24) A Florida child pornography lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit can assist you with your case. ### Florida Man Accused of Cyberstalking Woman, Stealing Dead Son’s Ashes https://www.gilschaffnit.com/florida-man-accused-of-cyberstalking-woman-stealing-dead-sons-ashes/ (2026-08-20) Contact a Florida computer & internet crime lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit for help with your case. ### TikTok influencer Arrested for Child Porn Possession https://www.gilschaffnit.com/tiktok-influencer-arrested-for-child-porn-possession/ (2026-08-03) Get the help you need from a Florida child pornography lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit. We will work to get you the best outcome possible. ## Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can I be charged with drug trafficking even if I wasn't selling anything? A: Yes. Florida's trafficking statute is based entirely on the weight or quantity of the substance found in your possession, not on whether any sale occurred. Possessing a quantity above the statutory threshold is sufficient to trigger a trafficking charge, even if you claim the drugs were for personal use only. Q: What are the mandatory minimum sentences for drug trafficking in Florida? A: Florida's mandatory minimums vary by substance and quantity. For cocaine, a conviction involving 28 grams or more triggers a mandatory minimum of three years. Larger quantities carry minimums of seven to fifteen years or more. Heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cannabis trafficking offenses carry their own threshold quantities and associated minimum sentences under Florida Statute Section 893.135. Q: How is federal drug trafficking different from a state charge? A: Federal trafficking charges are governed by different statutes and typically carry harsher sentencing guidelines. Federal cases also involve different investigative agencies such as the DEA or FBI, different courts, and different procedural rules. Gilbert Schaffnit is admitted to practice in multiple federal courts and handles both state and federal drug trafficking matters. Q: What happens if the drugs were found during an unlawful search? A: Evidence obtained through an unlawful search may be suppressed, meaning it cannot be used against you in court. If the core evidence in a trafficking case is suppressed, the charges may be reduced or dismissed entirely. Challenging the legality of the search is one of the first and most important steps in any trafficking defense. Q: Can a drug trafficking charge be reduced to a lesser offense? A: In some cases, yes. Successful suppression of evidence, challenges to the reported weight of a substance, or negotiated plea agreements can result in reduced charges. Each case depends heavily on its specific facts, the substance involved, the amount found, and the quality of the defense challenge mounted. Q: Is it worth fighting a drug trafficking charge if the evidence seems strong? A: Absolutely. Even in cases where evidence appears substantial, there are often procedural, constitutional, and factual challenges that can significantly affect the outcome. A charge that appears airtight at first glance may have weaknesses that only a thorough legal review will uncover. The stakes are too high not to mount the strongest possible defense. Q: Does Gilbert Schaffnit handle drug trafficking cases outside of Alachua County? A: Yes. The Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit provides representation across Alachua County and statewide throughout Florida, and has been retained in cases across the country through pro hac vice admission in various jurisdictions. Q: Can I be charged with hit and run if I did not realize an accident happened? A: Knowledge of the accident is an element the prosecution must prove. If you genuinely were unaware that a collision occurred, that lack of knowledge may be a viable defense. An experienced attorney can evaluate the circumstances and determine whether this argument applies to your situation. Q: What if I left the scene but returned shortly after? A: Returning to the scene, while relevant, does not automatically eliminate criminal liability under Florida law. However, it can be a factor that affects how the case is handled, and it may influence negotiations with prosecutors. The specific timing and circumstances matter significantly. Q: Will my driver's license be suspended? A: A hit and run conviction in Florida carries mandatory license revocation. The duration and conditions of that revocation depend on the severity of the charge. An attorney may be able to challenge the underlying conviction or pursue resolutions that affect these collateral consequences. Q: Can a hit and run charge be reduced or dismissed? A: Yes. The outcome depends on the strength of the evidence, the facts of the case, and the quality of the legal representation you have. Charges can sometimes be reduced or, in certain circumstances, dismissed when the defense successfully challenges key elements of the prosecution's case. Q: What is the difference between a misdemeanor and felony hit and run in Florida? A: Whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony depends primarily on the outcome of the accident. Property damage only typically results in a misdemeanor charge. Injury to another person elevates the charge to a felony. Death involved in the crash can result in a first-degree felony charge carrying up to 30 years in prison. Q: Where are hit and run cases handled in Gainesville? A: Criminal cases arising from incidents in Alachua County are generally handled at the Alachua County Criminal Justice Center, located at 220 S. Main Street in Gainesville. Attorney Gilbert Schaffnit has practiced in this courthouse and the surrounding court system for decades. Q: Should I speak to police before hiring an attorney? A: No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to legal representation. Statements made to investigators before you have counsel can be used against you and can significantly complicate your defense. Contact an attorney before making any statements to law enforcement. Q: What is the threshold between petty theft and grand theft in Florida? A: Under Florida law, the line is currently set at $750. Property valued below that amount is considered petty theft, while property at or above $750 triggers a grand theft charge, which is a felony offense. Q: Can grand theft charges be reduced to a lesser offense? A: In some cases, yes. The specific facts, the defendant's history, and the quality of the state's evidence all play a role. A defense attorney can negotiate with the State Attorney's Office, challenge the valuation of the property, or identify weaknesses in the evidence that make a reduction or dismissal possible. Q: Does grand theft of a motor vehicle carry different penalties? A: Yes. Theft of a motor vehicle in Florida is treated as a third-degree felony regardless of the vehicle's value, but the nature of the offense can affect how a prosecutor approaches sentencing and what alternatives may be available. Q: What happens if the property was returned? A: Returning property after a theft has occurred does not erase the criminal charge, but it can be a relevant factor in negotiations and at sentencing. It may demonstrate the absence of intent to permanently deprive, which is an element the state must prove. Q: Will a grand theft conviction affect my ability to work in Florida? A: A felony conviction can affect employment in many fields, particularly those that require professional licenses or involve working with vulnerable populations. Background checks used by most employers will reflect a felony record, which is one of the strongest reasons to pursue every available defense. Q: Can a grand theft charge be expunged or sealed in Florida? A: If adjudication is withheld, meaning the court does not formally enter a conviction, there may be a path to sealing or expunging the record after a waiting period. An outright conviction is more difficult to address, but a knowledgeable attorney can evaluate what options exist based on the specific circumstances. Q: Should I speak to law enforcement if I am accused of theft? A: Anything said to law enforcement before speaking with an attorney can be used against you. The safest course is to exercise your right to remain silent and contact a defense attorney before answering any questions about the alleged offense. Q: What is the difference between drug possession and drug distribution under Florida law? A: Possession means having a controlled substance for personal use. Distribution, sale, or possession with intent to sell involves the transfer or intended transfer of drugs to another person. Florida courts allow prosecutors to infer intent to distribute from circumstantial evidence such as quantity, packaging, and paraphernalia, even without direct evidence of a transaction. Q: Can I be charged with drug distribution for something that happened in my car or home? A: Yes. Florida law allows for constructive possession charges, meaning you can be charged based on drugs found in a location you control, even if the drugs did not belong to you. This is a common and highly contested area of drug law, and challenging constructive possession requires a detailed factual and legal analysis of the circumstances. Q: Will my assets be seized if I am arrested for drug distribution? A: Civil asset forfeiture allows law enforcement to seize property believed to be connected to drug activity, and this can happen before any conviction. Contesting a forfeiture action is a separate legal process from the criminal case and requires prompt action to preserve your rights to your property. Q: How does Gilbert Schaffnit approach drug distribution cases? A: Gilbert Schaffnit accepts a limited number of cases to ensure every client receives his personal attention. He examines the full record of how law enforcement conducted its investigation, challenges the admissibility of evidence, reviews laboratory testing procedures, and identifies any constitutional violations that may support a motion to suppress or a dismissal of charges. --- Detailed version — see https://www.gilschaffnit.com/llms.txt for summary Generated by MileMark Schema Pro